Hey guys and gals, I created a post inquiring about a quality wiring harness and I figured since my truck need everything but a chassis (ha) I wanted to make a consolidated thread to reference.

Here's my story: My uncle helped me get my truck by loaning me $1500 at the age of 15 that was to be passed down to my younger siblings. When he passed in 2007 at 27 I could never seen myself getting rid of it (running or not). I want to do a complete rebuild and do it right. She needs everything from body, wiring, engine, and transmission work. Not including the extras like sand blasting the frame and then paint but for right now I want her to be electrically and mechanically sound.

Wiring: I got great information from y'all for this and even though it's much more expensive I'll probably be going with Painless. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Transmission: Since I want to make this a daily driver I'd like to switch over to an AOD tansmission. I have an idea of what all I need but a complete parts list would do wonders.

Engine: I have a 302 in her currently but it needs a rebuild. As I stated I want to build a daily driver: strong and fuel efficient.

Body: This seems to be straight forward as long as I can find a reputable and reasonably priced body shop.

My apologies for the book post but I really want to get her back on the road. Thanks for anything and everything.

 

Painless is the way to go for the wiring harness! A 302 is perfect for daily driving but you might want to make a budget for the rebuild or those numbers can add up fairly easy. I'd also recommend getting a couple of different quotes on the body if you're not going to try and take a whack at it yourself. Regardless, hang on to that truck no matter what. If you don't you will regret it!

 

I agree with keeping my motor but I've seen this brand and this brand and this brand and I just don't know where to start. I figure since I have a good direction to go (fuel economy) that it would be easier to pin point which parts I should invest in. I've contemplated many times just getting rid of it but have never had to heart to.

 

Here is a very informative article on sourcing and swapping to a Ford AOD: Ford AOD Overdrive Transmission | Hemmings Motor News

 

I just did an AOD swap myself. And I'm wondering if I would have been better off just keeping with the C4....

With the AOD, you will need to swap your axle gears to at least 3.70. I have 3.25s and 31" tires. When it hits OD it just bogs the engine down. It will cruise but accelerating is a no-no.

Also, if you have a AOD rebuilt at a shop, make sure you take it to a shop that knows what they are doing and will do what you want them to do. I'm struggling to get AAMCO to work with me and sort out mine. I don't think they built it right.


So, I guess what I'm saying is, if this is gonna be a weekend cruiser or short drives. Just stick with your C4.

Here's a link to my AOD swap thread. You can see what it all takes.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-aod-swap.html

 

I really appreciate the information y'all are givin me. Keep it comin! :-)